Statistics Canada
www.statcan.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Aboriginal Children's Survey (ACS)
Overview
Questionnaires
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Overview
The Aboriginal Children’s Survey (ACS) is designed to provide a picture of the early childhood development of First Nations/North American Indian, Inuit and Métis children under the age of six.
The survey was developed by Statistics Canada and Aboriginal advisors from across the country and is being conducted in partnership with Human Resources and Social Development Canada.
Background
There is currently little data available about the health and development of Aboriginal children under 6 years of age. The Aboriginal Children’s Survey (ACS) is designed to address this data gap and provide information on the motor, social and cognitive development of young Aboriginal children.
Target population
The survey collects information on North American Indian/First Nations, Inuit and Métis children under the age of six, living in Canada. The Aboriginal Peoples Survey is a separate survey collecting information for those aged six years and over.
A sample of about 17,000 children was selected from the 2006 Census. The ACS is planned to be repeated every five years with a different sample of children.
Data collection
Data collection is taking place between October 2006 and January 2007. Interviews are conducted in person in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories (except for Yellowknife) and in remote areas. Elsewhere across Canada interviews are conducted over the telephone. A paper questionnaire is used to record the responses for both the telephone and the in-person interviews.
Survey development and content
A unique process was used to develop the survey involving direct participation of parents, front-line workers, early childhood educators, researchers, various Aboriginal organizations and others. A Technical Advisory Group (TAG), consisting of specialists in Aboriginal early childhood development, was established to provide guidance on the development of the survey.
Based on recommendations from the TAG, the survey is holistic in nature and collects information on a wide range of topics, including child’s health, sleep, nutrition, development, nurturing, child care, school, language, behaviour, and activities. Since the child’s environment is important to their development and well-being, some information is collected on the child’s parents or guardians and their neighbourhood or community.
Data dissemination
Data are expected to be available to the public in the fall of 2008. Dissemination plans are being developed in collaboration with Aboriginal people and other data users.
Questionnaires
If you would like to obtain a copy of the questionnaires for reference only, click on the following link:
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the Aboriginal Children’s Survey / Survey of Northern Children?
Why is it important?
How was the survey developed?
How many people will be surveyed?
How were people chosen to participate? Where did this information come from?
Is Census information confidential?
Who will be asked to respond?
Where will the survey be conducted?
Is Statistics Canada surveying on reserves?
If a person has participated in a Statistics Canada survey already, how are they selected for another one?
Are the data confidential?
When will the survey take place?
When will the results be available?
Who will use the data?
Is participation optional?
Are Aboriginal people involved in the survey process?
Where can I find out more information about the Aboriginal Children’s Survey / Survey of Northern Children?
What is the Aboriginal Children’s Survey / Survey of Northern Children?
This is a national survey of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and children living in the territories and will provide valuable data on the development and well-being of Aboriginal and Northern children under the age of six.
Why is it important?
Data from the survey will provide information specific to First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and children living in the territories and could be used to:
- provide up-to-date information and a picture of the current situation
- honour and acknowledge cultural values and diversity
- raise awareness of strengths and challenges
- track changes over time
- allow good policy decision-making regarding services for children
- assist in advocating for resources.
How was the survey developed?
The survey was developed by Statistics Canada and Aboriginal advisors from across the country and is being conducted in partnership with Human Resources and Social Development Canada. A unique process was used involving direct participation of parents, front-line workers, early childhood educators, researchers, various Aboriginal organizations and others.
How many people will be surveyed?
Parents or guardians of about 17,000 children will be interviewed.
How were people chosen to participate? Where did this information come from?
A list of young children was obtained from the 2006 Census and children were selected from that list.
Is Census information confidential?
Census information is confidential.
The Census form indicated that Census information may be used to select respondents for some Statistics Canada surveys. The Aboriginal Children’s Survey is one of these surveys.
Using names from the Census enables us to identify respondents who might otherwise be difficult to locate. By doing this, the costs involved are greatly reduced.
Who will be asked to respond?
Parents or guardians will be asked questions about their children either by telephone or in person.
Where will the survey be conducted?
Information will be collected about Aboriginal children living in urban, rural and remote locations throughout Canada and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children living in the territories.
Is Statistics Canada surveying on reserves?
Statistics Canada plans to conduct the survey on reserves at a later time and is currently having discussions with First Nations leadership to determine the process.
If a person has participated in a Statistics Canada survey already, how are they selected for another one?
This can happen because survey participants are randomly selected. Sometimes the characteristics we seek from one survey to another may overlap.
Each survey has its own distinct objectives and the different information collected helps in good decision-making on various programs and services.
Are the data confidential?
Statistics Canada recognizes the trust that you place in us to protect your data. That is why the Agency follows strict rules to ensure the confidentiality of your information.
Under the Statistics Act, employees must take an oath of secrecy. Only employees who need to work with the data files have access to them. When survey data are released your answers are combined with those of other participants. No information is ever released that could identify you or your family.
When will the survey take place?
Information will be collected from October 2006 until January 2007.
When will the results be available?
Survey data will be available in the fall of 2008.
Who will use the data?
The information will be used by Aboriginal communities, organizations, service providers, researchers, the general public, and governments.
Is participation optional?
This is a voluntary survey, but if you are asked to participate, your responses are important to make sure the data provide a useful and accurate picture of the current situation of Aboriginal children and children living in the territories.
Are Aboriginal people involved in the survey process?
Aboriginal people are involved in all aspects of the survey. For example:
- Aboriginal advisors have been involved in developing the content of the questionnaire and discussing survey procedures
- Parents and guardians of children participated in discussions on the survey questions
- National Aboriginal organizations have been involved in the promotion of the survey.
- Aboriginal people have been hired and trained as interviewers and in other survey-related positions.
- Aboriginal children provided artwork that is used in the promotional materials for the survey
Where can I find out more information about the Aboriginal Children’s Survey / Survey of Northern Children?
For more information about the Aborigninal Children’s Survey / Survey of Northern Children, please contact Statistics Canada by email at ssd-des@statcan.gc.ca or call 1 (800) 263-1136.
You need to use the free Adobe Reader to view PDF documents. To view (open) these files, simply click on the link. To download (save) them, right-click on the link. Note that if you are using Internet Explorer or AOL, PDF documents sometimes do not open properly. See Troubleshooting PDFs. PDF documents may not be accessible by some devices. For more information, visit the Adobe website or contact us for assistance.